A multidisciplinary team was rapidly assembled to develop the safest care plan for a high-risk pregnant patient. Specialists from obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, maternal-fetal medicine, cardiothoracic surgery and vascular surgery and anesthesia collaborated to evaluate treatment options and coordinate care for a patient in her third trimester with an enlarging aorta and aortic dissection, prioritizing the safety and well-being of both mother and baby.
The patient story reflects the team’s broader work through Hartford HealthCare’s Cardio-Obstetrics and Women’s Heart Wellness programs, which provide coordinated cardiovascular care for women.
What have been the organization’s significant contributions in the past year?
We bring together experts across disciplines to care for pregnant patients with complex cardiovascular conditions. By partnering closely with other specialties, we create coordinated, patient-centered care plans that address both maternal and fetal needs.
Our commitment to communication, collaboration and proactive planning helps navigate high-risk situations, improve outcomes and provide the highest level of care for mothers and their babies.
What are some major challenges the organization had to overcome?
We overcame traditional barriers between medical specialties by creating an environment of open communication, trust and collaboration. By bringing experts together to share perspectives and address concerns, we bridged gaps in communication, aligned complex clinical decision-making and developed the best possible care plan for a high-risk patient.
What’s the organization’s next major goal and/or challenge?
We will continue advancing our multidisciplinary Cardio-Obstetrics program by strengthening partnerships across specialties, improving communication and standardizing care for high-risk pregnancies.
Our focus remains on delivering exceptional, coordinated care that improves outcomes for both mothers and babies.
Team members: Dr. Melissa Ferraro-Borgida, Cardiology; Dr. Francis Aldo, Cardiac Anesthesiology; Dr. Elizabeth Aitcheson, Vascular Surgery; Dr. Jemel Bingham, Obstetrics & Gynecology; Melissa Bragdon, RN, Nursing; Brianna Cooper, APRN, CT Surgery; Dr. Randolph Edwards, CT ICU; Michelle Falanga, RN, Manager, Labor & Delivery; Dr. Andrew Feingold, Cardiology; Dianne Fowler, CST; Dr. Jonathan Hammond, Cardiac Surgery; Kristin Hardy, RN, Nurse Navigator; Dr. Jennifer Hill, Maternal Fetal Medicine; Dr. Emily Mills, Obstetrics & Gynecology; Katie Pavia, APRN, CT Surgery; Dr. Sheelah Pousatis, Cardiac Surgery; Dr. Marine Sahakyan, Obstetrics & Gynecology; Isabella Sierra, RN; Rebecca Stewart, RN, Assistant Nurse Manager, Labor & Delivery; Dr. Kevin Tally, Cardiology; Kate Yoder, RN, Labor & Delivery
